February was Houston’s Hebrew Order of David’s (HOD) “Chaverschaft” (social) month, where members meet for a friendly barbecue, they donate blood together, with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Centre and listen to an interesting guest speaker.  The guest speaker was Harry Brown, representing the Chevra Kadisha.

Harry explained how the group of dedicated volunteers takes care of the last rights of our loved ones after they pass on. He explained that the deceased are ritually washed, dressed in shrouds, and prepared for burial according to tradition for their journey to the next world.  The audience of HOD brethren and their families were impressed by the amazing work done to people who can never repay the volunteers; the highest form of Jewish charity.  It was clear to all how the work done by the Chevra Kadisha, so closely matches HOD’s new Gravestone Project, which is putting gravestone markers on all of Houston’s unmarked Jewish graves.

Harry surprised those present when he explained how normally the Chevra Kadisha would, once a year, organize a lunch or dinner for their donors to thank them for their support, but this year they decided to rather contribute these funds to HOD to help finance the Gravestone project.  The very generous donation from the Chevra Kadisha, was most graciously accepted by the HOD team involved in the project.

To donate to HOD’s Gravestone Project, please visit: https://www.hodgalil.org/Donate

More pictures of the event: